House burns down
Masilela family is upset with the Govan Mbeki Fire Department for not showing up when their house was on fire on Tuesday, 11 February.
LEBOHANG – The Masilela family is upset with the Govan Mbeki Municipal Fire Department that refused to go out when their house was burning on Tuesday, 11 February.
Mr Peter Mahlangu, a family member, said they are still not sure what caused the fire, but the situation was worsened by the fire department when they said they could not help, because they were scared of being beaten by residents.
“I immediately called the police who said they would call the fire department, but the fire department did not show up.
“I called the police station again and was told that the fire department said they could not come out.
“What is this? We almost died in the fire.
Ms Lebo Tlou, Ward 2 councillor, visited the Masilela family on 12 February to assess the situation and to give support.
She said: “It is sad that this family has lost so much in the fire.
“We do not have a fire department yet, but the project of building one has begun.
“We have had several fire incidents in the area, but because the fire fighters arrived too late, the community was upset and threw stones at them.
“Now they say they fear for they lives, but I think they should ask the police to escort them.”
Mr Mahlangu said he will take the matter up with the municipality and that justice needs to take its course.
He thanked the neighbours for helping the family to extinguish the fire.
